Getting the Call: Meet Sharee Stover!

I am a planner to the max. I’m the kind of person who buys the next year’s calendar the summer before. So, when I got THE CALL my planning went out the window and I couldn’t have been happier.

I’m a Colorado native transplanted to Nebraska. All that to say, when I say I know snow, I know snow. Big, white, fluffy flakes that make road travel treacherous and stressful. Looks great when you’re viewing it from the comforts of home and on winter picture scenes. Not so much when you’re skidding around wondering why you left your home in the first place. I don’t think I’ve ever been happier for a blizzard than when my amazing editor, Emily Rodmell, posted a Facebook message saying she’d be willing to answer questions and look at blurbs since she was snowed in. I’m sure the snowed in experience wasn’t as gleeful on her end, but it began the happily-ever-after for my story.

Taking a deep breath, I posted my blurb on Facebook. I about fell off the chair when she responded she’d like to see the story. Right there, in front of everyone.

I sent the full manuscript to her and within a month, Emily had responded with a thorough R&R letter. I was humbled and honored that she had taken such care to provide detailed feedback. That told me a lot about the kind of editor she is. AH-MAZE-ING. Needless to say, I was beyond excited and got to work on the revisions immediately and finally submitted the changes that made my story stronger than ever.

Remember the calendar thing? Well, I’ve made July 5th an official holiday because that’s the day I got THE CALL. I was sitting at my desk—where I spend 90% of my life—when my phone lit up with a New York area code, I said, “No…it can’t be.” Since my dog was the only witness to that, I can assure you I said it out loud. I swiped to answer the call and when Emily introduced herself I had to hold onto the furniture.

She gave me the details of what would happen next and I took copious notes with a very shaky hand trying desperately to hear her over the pulse beating in my ears. When she asked if I had any questions, I could barely talk through the smile on my face. At that point, she could’ve offered me a chicken and three loaves of bread and I’d have accepted it.

I think the funniest part for me was when I asked when I could tell everyone. She laughed and said, “we’re not going to take it away.”

But I’m a writer. We like things in written format. Tangible proof that I didn’t just imagine all of this. Because imaginations are what make us quirky and fun…right?

When I hung up, my college-aged daughter was in the next room so I ran to her and danced, and cheered and squealed. She joined in and we celebrated. When I could finally stop jumping up and down, I called my husband and started all over again. I screamed and squealed relaying the story, and he cheered with me. Although I didn’t actually see it, I’m pretty sure he was dancing on his end too. Needless to say, my family has eaten many a pizza so Mama could write. Their excitement was priceless and I was so proud of how my family had supported me. Sharing the joy of the sweet victory with them made it that much more remarkable.

I’m still pinching myself. When I share that my debut novel releases in April, I stop and think that really happened right? I wasn’t dreaming? I’m beyond thrilled to be a Love Inspired Suspense author. Thank you, Love Inspired and Harlequin for welcoming me into your family.

I am SOOOOO proud of Sharee Stover! I’ve been so privileged to have read several of her rough drafts – what an imagination – so excited to know I’ll get to read one of her books between cover come April 2018!
CONGRAT-YOU-LATIONS, Sharee Stover!

Congratulations, Sharee! I enjoyed reading your call story. So exciting! I love reading romantic suspense and can’t wait to read your book. Can you share the title so I’ll know what to look for come April?

Congratulations Sharee! What a great story of seizing the moment. I’ve always liked the saying that good luck is 9/10ths hard work. Good for you for putting yourself in a position to succeed. Well Done!

What a great story, Sharee! It gave me goosebumps – so happy for you. This part made me laugh out loud: “At that point, she could’ve offered me a chicken and three loaves of bread and I’d have accepted it.” Congratulations, and thanks for sharing your call story. I can’t wait to read your book!

What a fun story! Super Congratulations on getting the CALL! I will be sure to watch for your first book to release. Thanks for sharing…and I know what you mean about snow and driving in it. Been there and survived. Enough said.

That’s awesome, Sharee! Thanks for sharing your Call story. And, yes, I’m totally with you about the snow. Pleasant to look at when you’re sheltered, not so much fun to walk or drive through… Unless there’s the promise of hot cocoa at the end of it. ^_^

Sharee!! Thank you Jesus!! I am so super excited for you! Gosh I am grinning like an idiot and just shouting inside! You did it! I knew you would! Now I get to learn from the best! So I have been praying, now God answered what do I pray for next! Gosh I so want to see you and hug you. Couldn’t dance around as I would break a leg. When your book comes out I’m going to be bragging, oh yeah you like that book? Told you that you would. She’s a really good friend of mine, sister actually. Then they ask when the last time I saw you was. Im um. Hey we worked together!luv ya tell the family i said hello and miss them. Tell Jim esp, time for another transfer to come back this way. What date does it come out? I cannot wait to read it. My dear sweet friend, a publishefd author. YEAH!!!!!!!!
❤❤❤Hope you ein’t be too busy to come to the wedding.

Meet the Editors

Melissa Endlich

Facebook0TwitteremailMelissa Endlich is the Senior Editor for Love Inspired and Love Inspired Classics. Melissa’s love affair with romance novels began when, as a young adult, she stole her mother’s copy of Kathleen Woodiwiss’s A...